Helping Handbags is dedicated to empowering women in the GTA who have experienced emotional, social, economic hardship or abuse. We collect and distribute essential toiletries and feminine hygiene products in thoughtfully assembled handbags, providing not only practical support but also a sense of dignity and care. 

Our mission is to uplift and inspire women on their journey to recovery and self-sufficiency through community collaboration and compassionate outreach.

Our vision is a community where every woman has access to the basic necessities she deserves, fostering resilience and independence. We envision a Toronto where women impacted by abuse feel supported, valued, and empowered to reclaim their lives, with Helping Handbags serving as a bridge to hope and healing. Through strong partnerships and a culture of generosity, we aim to create lasting change and inspire a collective commitment to uplift all women in need.

  Helping Handbags was founded in 2018, when our founder, Sara Gomes, was just nine years old. The idea came after a conversation with her mother about domestic abuse and the challenges women face when fleeing unsafe environments. Inspired to take action and with help from her mother, she started Helping Handbags, collecting gently used purses and essential toiletries to donate to local women’s shelters. In the organizations' first year, the initiative collected 20 purses. Seeing the gratitude of shelter staff and its clients highlighted its potential to spark meaningful change in communities across the GTA.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, operations nearly came to a halt. Despite this challenge, Helping Handbags persevered and returned stronger than ever, continuing to support shelters such as the Rexdale Women’s Shelter and The Women’s Habitat. In the most recent collection (2024), Helping Handbags raised $30,000 coupling in-kind and monetary donations.

Today, Helping Handbags has partnered with organizations and schools to expand its reach and impact. Through these partnerships, the initiative encourages youth involvement, inspiring students to take action in their communities and educating them about the challenges many women face. 

Each year, the generosity and engagement of our donors, school partners, and volunteers continue to fuel the growth and mission of Helping Handbags, and we could not be more grateful.

We are so excited for the future of Helping Handbags.